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ASH GOURD
ASH GOURD
- RABI/FEBRUARY-MARCH
- TYPES OF VARIETIES
- FERTILIZERS
- TYPES OF VARITES
GENERAL INFORMATION
Ash gourd is also known as white gourd, winter melon, and fuzzy melon or petha kaddu. It is native from Southeast Asia. It is a rich source of Fat, protein, carbohydrates and fibre. Ash gourd has several medicine properties. As it contain low calorie, it is good for diabetics patients. It is used to treat constipation, acidity and to kill intestinal worms. Popular “Petha” is made from Ash gourd. Two type of ash gourds are available, purple green and green.
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In Uttar Pradesh, it is cultivated on larger scale and it is mainly used for making “Petha”.
SOIL
It can grow on variety of soils but gives best results when grown on sandy loam soils. Ideal pH range of soil is about 6 to 6.5.
LAND PREPARATION
To bring soil to fine tilth, carry out ploughing operation for three-fourth time. Before last ploughing add, well decomposed cowdung@20kg along with neem cake@40kg/acre.
Kashi Ujawal:Â Fruits are round with less seeds. It is ready to harvest in 130-140 days. Gives average yield of 240-244 Quintal/acre.
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Other States variety
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CO 1, CO 2, Pusa Ujjwal, MAH 1, IVAG 502
Seed Rate
Seed rate of 2 kg to 2.5 kg is sufficient for one acre land.
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Seed Treatment
To protect seed from soil borne fungus, treat seed with Carbendazim@2 gram/kg of seed. After chemical treatment, treat seed with Trichoderma Viride@4 gram/kg of seed or Pseudomonas fluroscens@10 gram/kg of seed.
Time of sowing
In North India, it can be cultivated for two times. It is sown in February-March and also in June -July.Â
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Spacing
Keep distance of 1.5-2.5 m between the rows and used plant to plant distance of 60-120 cm. Sow two seeds per hill on both side of bed.Â
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Sowing Depth
Seed is sown at depth of 1-2 cm.Â
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Method of SowingÂ
Seed is directly sown on bed.
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Fertilizer Requirement (kg/acre)
| UREA | DAP or SSP | MOP | ZINC | |
| 70 | Â | 150 | 40 | – |
Organic Fertilizer Requirement (kg/acre)
| BIO-DAP | MIX FERTILIZER | Organic NPK | |
| 150 | 100 | Â | 100 |
Nutrient Requirement (kg/acre)
| N | P2O5 | K |
| 32 | 24 | 24 |
Crop required well decomposed cow dung @8-10 ton/acre, Nitrogen@32 kg (Urea@70 kg), Phosphorus@ 24 kg (SSP@150 kg) and Potash@24 kg/acre (MOP@40 kg). Apply well decomposed cow dung, full dose of Potash and Phosphorus, and one-third of Nitrogen, two to three week before seed sowing. Apply remaining dose of Nitrogen in two equal splits. Provide first dose 25-30days after sowing and second dose 40-50days after sowing.
Depending upon weed intensity, carry out hand or hoe weeding operation. Mulching is best way to keep check on weed growth along with water saving.
After sowing, carry out irrigation with interval of three to four days. Depending upon climate and soil type, in summer season provide irrigation with interval of 7-10 days in vegetative stage. In rainy season provide irrigation depending upon rainfall frequency. Flowering and fruiting stage are critical for irrigation. Avoid water stress at this stage
PLANT PROTECTION  
Leef beetles:
Leef beetles:Â If infestation is observed, to controlled take spray of Malathion 50EC@1ml/ltr or Dimethoate 30EC@1ml/lit of water
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Aphid:
Aphid:Â If infestation is observed, take spray of Imidachloprid@0.5ml/ltr of water.
Powdery Mildew:
Powdery Mildew:Â Patchy, White powdery growth appears on upper surface of leaves also on main stem of infected plant. It parasitizes the plant using it as a food source. In severe infestation it causes defoliation and premature fruit ripening.Â
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If infestation is observed, take spray of Dinocap@1ml/lit or Carbendazim@0.5gm/lit of water.
Downy mildew:Â
Downy mildew:Â Chlorotic spots are the symptoms of this disease.
Treatment:Â Spray with Mancozeb@400gm in 150ltr water per acre.
Treatment:Â Spray with Mancozeb@400gm in 150ltr water per acre.
HARVESTING
Depending upon variety, crop is ready for harvesting in 90-100days. Depending upon market requirement, fruits can be harvested at immature or mature stage. Mature fruits are mostly stored for seed production purpose. Cut the fruits from vines with help of sharp knife.
POST-HARVEST
Fruit can be stored for three months at temperature of 13-15oC with relative humidity of 70-75%.
SEED PRODUCTION
For seed production purpose, sow seed in February-March month. Disease or unwanted Plants are removed at time of flowering, fruiting and maturity stage. When fruits and stem surface give white waxy appearance, fruits are ready for harvesting. Seed is separated and then wash with water. Wash seed is dry and then clean before storing. Seed is store in low temperature and low humidity conditions